Liquid heater



NOV. 10, 1936. E, J TE PAS I 2,060,139

LIQUID HEATER Original Filed April 21, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR NOV. 10, 1936. E, J E PAS 2,060,139

LI UID HEATER Original Filed April 21, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Patented Nov. 10, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LIQUID HEATER Application April 21, 1928, Serial No. 271,797 Renewed September 12, 1932 23 Claims.

This invention relates to water heaters of the storage automatic type and in particular to that type of storage automatic water heaters in which the heat developed by a gas burner is directly applied to the storage vessel.

The conventional method of controlling the flow of gas to the main heating burner in gas fired water heaters of the storage automatic type,- is by use of a thermostatic gas valve which opens and closes in response to changes in temperature of the liquid in the liquid container or storage vessel. The main heating burner is usually provided with a constantly burning pilot light for the ignition of gas admitted to the main burner.

Another construction which is commonly used is that, in which a certain amount of gas is bypassed around the thermostatic valve to the main burner, so that when the thermostatic valve is closed the main burner is supplied in this manner with a limited amount of gas to maintain a very small flame at the main burner. In this method of operation the independent ignition pilot light is dispensed with, the main burner functioning at times as a pilot light.

In either one of the above cited arrangements extinguishment of the pilot light or its equivalent is possible, leading to a hazardous condition if under these circumstances, the thermostatic valve should open allowing the escape of unburned gas. In order to obviate this hazardous condition thermostatic pilot lights have been designed which cut oif the main gas supply upon their extinguishment and prevent the escape of raw gas. These thermostatic pilots constitute in effect a thermostatic valve which controls the main gas supply to the burner.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a water heater of the type described that safely and efiiciently heats the water.

Another object of this invention is to provide a water heater in which the main heating burner serves at times as its own pilot light.

Another object of this invention is to provide in an automatic storage water heater, a gas burner that is thermostatically responsive to the heat of its own flame.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the type described, in which the automatic fuel controlling means of the burner is quickly responsive on the withdrawal of hot water from the system.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a device of the type described, a main heating burner that mixes the primary air and gas and (Cl. Z3621) at the same time spreads the flame over a large area.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a device of the type described, a main heating burner which at times functions as a pilot light.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a device of the type described, a constantly operating burner, the heat of whose flame is necessary to maintain a supply of gas therefor.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a device of the type described, a combined burner and gaseous fuel supply valve which does not require packing at any point.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a device of the type described, a combined main heating burner and thermostatic valve which is carried and controlled by a tank thermostat.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a device of the type described, a self-closing thermostatic burner with means to manually open or admit gas thereto when the burner has closed by reason of extinguishment of its flame.

A further object of this invention is to provide an automatic gaseous fuel control in a device of the type described, in which the gas flame is controlled by the temperature of the fluid that is being heated and by the heat of its own flame.

Stated in general terms my invention consists of a storage automatic liquid heater that has a removable and replaceable tank bottom which supports means within the tank to induce a rapid and positive thermo-syphon circulation of the liquid within the tank.

The removable tank bottom provides a support for a thermostat that is responsive in its operation to the temperature of the liquid within the tank. A thermostatic gas burner is intimately and operatively associated with the said thermostat and is provided with means to prevent the escape of unburned gas if the burner should become extinguished.

My improved burner is adapted to maintain a flame varying in size from a very small pilot flame to a relatively large conical blue flame. Novel means are provided in this burner to mix the gas and air before combustion takes place and to spread the flame over a large area to insure complete combustion of the gas used.

The thermal efliciency of my improved heater is further increased by pro-heating the air used by automatically controlling the flow of this air through the heater. Radiation losses from the heater are reduced by a system of jacketing which is used in controlling the path of the air flow through the heater.

Novel means are provided to reduce the effects of down drafts and the like, which are apt to be encountered when a heater of this type is connected to a chimney or other vent, leading to the outside of the building in which the heater is housed.

In my improved storage automatic water heater the main burner provides its own pilot light and the escape of unburned gas is prevented by means built in and forming a part of the burner.

Some of the advantages of my improved heater are, simplicity, high efficiency, safety of operation, low manufacturing costs and other features which have been indicated and which will be described and pointed out in the following description and accompanying claims.

In the accompanying drawings: Figure l is a side elevational view, partly in section, of a storage automatic water heater embodying one form of my invention.

Figure 2 is an enlarged central sectional view of the downdraft impeder on the top of the heater shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a section taken on line 3-3 Fig. 1.

Figure 4 is an enlarged central sectional view of the lower part of the heater shown in Fig. 1.

Figure 5 is a section taken on line 5--5 Fig. 4.

Figure 6 is a section taken on line 66 Fig. 4.

Referring to Fig. l, the numeral I indicates the storage vessel or tank of a storage automatic water heater. An inner casing 2 surrounds the tank I. The casing 2 is enclosed by an outer casing 3. The lower portion I of the tank I provides a combustion space 35 for the main heating burner 4. A helical shaped strip of metal 5 is placed between the tank I and the casing 2 and serves to lengthen the path of travel of the heated gases from the burner 4, by causing them to travel in a helical path from the bottom to the top of the tank. The upper end of the cas ing 2 is in communication with a vent 6 which in turn is connected to a downdraft impeder I and thence to a chimney, not shown.

The upper end of the outer casing 3 is provided with an air inlet conduit 8 for the admission of air required to support combustion of the burner 4. The path of travel of the air admitted by way of conduit 3 is between the casings 2 and 3 to the bottom of the extended portion I of the tank I where it is admitted to the combustion space 36 by way of a. series of circumferentially arranged holes 9. It is apparent that a helical strip similar to the strip 5 could be positioned between the casings 2 and 3 to lengthen the path of travel of the incoming air when it is desired to further increase its temperature.

The heated products of combustion are vented from the combustion space 36 by way of the circumferentially arranged holes ID of the lower extension I of the tank I and they then travel the path defined by the strip 5, the tank I and the casing 2 until they reach the vent 6. By this arrangement a high thermal efficiency is obtained from the fuel gas used as a large percentage of the heat which is usually lost through radiation by heaters of this type is absorbed by the incoming air and returned to the system. By reason of lengthening the path of travel of the heated gases, the water in the tank I is given time to absorb a maximum amount of heat from these gases before they are vented from the heater.

A manually operable shutoff valve II of conventiohal design controls the gas supply to the burner 4 by way of the conduit I2. The removal of sediment from the tank I is accomplished by means of the conduit I4 and valve I3 which are in communication with a threaded opening in the bottom of the tank. A base member I5, supported by legs I6, carries the heater. An annular ring I'I, mounted on tank I, serves as a support for the casing 2. Cold water is admitted to the tank I by way of the conduit I8. Conduit I9 is the hot water outlet from the tank.

A conical metal shell 20 is mounted within the heater tank I and serves to promote and control circulation within the tank and at the same time prevent the commingling of the water which is heated at the side of the tank with the cooler water near the center of the tank. By this arrangement the temperature of the water at the top of the tank is raised to the desired point in a much shorter time than could be accomplished if the shell 20 were not used. The shell 20 is open at its upper end and is provided with a series of spaced openings 2I at its lower end.

The downdraft impeder referred to generally by the numeral 1 and shown in the enlarged view Figure 2 comprises a cylindrical shell 24, secured to a flared member 23, carried by an annulus 22 that is mounted upon the conduit 6. The upper end of the shell 24 is provided with an annulus 25 similar to the annulus 22 and is secured to a vent pipe 26 adapted to be connected to a chimney or similar vent. The interior of the downdraft impeder is provided with oppositely arranged sheet metal conical sections or bafiies 21 and 28 respectively. The elements 21 are secured to the casing 24 by means of bolts or rivets 29 while the elements 28 are secured to the elements 2'! by any suitable means such as rivets shown at 35.

By this arrangement of baffling the normal upward path of the heated products of combustion is not appreciably impeded, due to the enlargement of the casing 24, as compared with the vent 6 and to the angle at which the conical sections are disposed with respect to the gas stream leaving the appliance. It will be seen that the upward path of the gases would be a substantially sinusoidal curve. In the event of back pressure or an increased pressure at the outlet end 26 of the device with respect to the inlet 6, there would be a tendency to reverse and change the direction of flow of the gases therein. Due to the arrangement and angular surfaces of the conical elements 21 and 28, a portion of the gas or air admitted by way of conduit 26 would be partially stopped by the cone 28. This action is continued by the successive cones so that a substantial drop in pressure is eifected between the openings 26 and 6 when the flow of gas is in that direction. In this manner sudden puffs and pressure changes in a chimney are materially reduced before they get to the bumer.

The outer casing 3 is provided with a door 3I and a second door 32 carried by the lower extended portion I of the tank I is located opposite to the door 3|. These doors permit inspection and cleaning of the combustion space of the heater.

An annular ring 35 having an elliptical inner periphery is suitably secured to the lower portion of the tank I by welding or by any other acceptable method. The member 35 serves to support the removable bottom plate 33 of the tank. The plate 33 is provided with a suitable gasket 33 and is clamped in fluid tight engagement with the member 35 by bolts 34. The plate 33 is elliptical in outline so that it may be readily installed or removed from the tank. This is accomplished by having the minor axis of the elliptical plate 33 shorter than the major axis of the elliptical opening in the ring 35. The lower extended portion I of the tank I provides a combustion space 36 for the main heating burner 4.

The burner 4 is provided with a spreader cap 38 having annular slots 39 to allow the commingling of air and gas before complete combustion.

takes place when the burner is operating at full capacity. The manner in which mixing of primary air and gas is accomplished in this burner is as follows:

The outlet gas passage of the burner is located between the concentric tubes 40 and M. Just before the gas leaves this passage a small amount of air is drawn in and mixed with the gas by way of the ports 4|: Upon striking the spreader plate 38 the gas is constrained to follow the path defined by the under surface of this plate. Due to the velocity of the gas, air is drawn in by way of the slotted openings 39 and mixed therewith as the gas passes over the said opening 39. The edges of the slots 39 are arranged so that gas does not escape through them and burn above the spreader plate. This is accomplished by making the edge of the slot which the gas strikes first relatively higher than the opposite edge so that after passing the raised edge of the slot, the gas then passes over the slotted opening and strikes the spreader'plate at a point somewhat beyond the opposite or lower edge of the slotted opening 39, and has no tendency to be diverted by the second mentioned edge and to escape through the slot.

The spreader cap 38 is provided with a downwardly extending externally threaded portion 5I which is received by the hollow valve stem 40. The valve stem 40 has a valve head formed on its lower end. The valve stem 40 is slidably fitted in the cylindrical sleeve M which is provided with guide wings 42 that serve to hold these two elements in proper alignment and is further provided with primary air inlet holes M. The lower extremity of the cylindrical sleeve M has an internally threaded flared portion 43 which is received by the thermostatic metal supporting element 44. The element 44 is connected to the gas supply pipe I2 by way of thenipple 45. A bushing 64 threadedly received in the heater-base I5, is provided to support and adjust the height of burner 4.

A strip of thermostatic metal 41 is carried at its ends by the element 44 and is secured midway between its ends to the valve head 46 by means of a bolt 48. The thermostatic strip 41 is of the conventional bimetallic type in which a strip of metal having a low coefficient thermal expansion is suitably bonded to a strip of metal having a high coefficient thermal expansion. Such laminated elements are commonly made of brass and steel .and have the property of changing their shape with changes in temperature. If advisable as where greater power is required, the thermostatic element could be of the shape of a circular disk. Supporting ledges 49 are formed in the element 44 to carry the thermostatic strip 41. The ends of the thermostatic strip 41 are notched and fitted in the vertical guides 50 to prevent l reception on the bushing 54. A handle is provided for turning the element 52. By swinging the handle 55 to the left the element 52 contacts with the spreader cap 38 and presses down the hollow valve stem 40 and the valve head 46 formed thereon, admitting a restricted flow of gas to the burner 4. This device is necessary for starting the burner, as the thermostatic strip 41 upon extinguishment of the burner flame tends to maintain the valve head 45 in its closed position and prevent the escape of gas from the burner.

The valve head 46 is also under control of a tank thermostat 56. This thermostat comprises an expansion tube 56' which may be made of copper, bronze or any other suitable metal having a high coefiicient of thermal expansion and a low expansion element, which in the present instance is the rod 57. The low expansion element may be made of 36% nickel steel, porcelain or carbon or any other suitable material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion. The rod 51 is externally threaded at its upper end and is received by the plug 58 which serves as a closure for the inner or upper end of the tube 55'. The lower or free end of the rod 51 is externally threaded for reception of the adjusting nuts 59. The adjusting nuts 53 serve to contact with the downwardly extending portion 5I of the spreader plate 38 which is secured to the valve stem and valve head 40 and 46 respectively.

By this arrangement, movement in one direction of the thermostatic rod 57, is transmitted to the hollow valve stem 40 and its associated head 45, and serves to close this valve. The thermostatic rod and tube 57 and 55 respectively, are responsive to the heat of the liquid contained within the tank I. Upon an increase in the temperature of the liquid within the tank I, the differential expansion of the thermostat elements causes the free end of the rod 5'! and the associated adjusting nuts 59 to raise the valve stem 45 and valve head 46, reducing the gas supply to the main burner. Cooling of the water within the tank I and the resultant differential contraction of the rod 5i and tube 55' causes a lowering of the free end of the rod ill and adjusting nuts 59 and allows admission of an increased supply of gas to the burner.

The mechanics of the opening operation of the thermostatic valve is slightly difierent from that of the closing operation. In closing, the valve is positively moved to that position by the thermostat 56. In opening, the thermostat adjusting nuts 59 are moved downwardly and the-valve head 46 and valve stem 45 and spreader cap 36 are moved downwardly by and under control of the thermostatic strip 41. heated condition it is under an internal strain due. to the difierential thermal expansion of its two sides so that it causes the valve head and associated parts to move downwardly in conjunction with the free end of the rod 5?. In other words when heated the thermostatic strip functions as a spring to hold the lower end of the spreader cap in contact with the nuts 59. When cold, the strip 41 holds the valve head 45 in contact with its seat shutting off the gas supply to the burner. Under these conditions the valve head is unaffected by any movements of the thermostat 55, and its rod 5"! which is loosely fitted in lower end of the spreader cap 38.

The tank thermostat and the thermostatic main burner are so adjusted that the burner maintains a tiny flame when the water in the tank I has reached a predetermined maximum If this strip is in a.

temperature. The size of this flame is such that, just enough heat is supplied to the system to maintain the water at the desired temperature, when hot water is not being withdrawn from the tank. That is, the size flame which furnishes suflicient heat to take care of the inevitable heat losses by radiation and otherwise.

A thermostatic air supply valve 60 is located in the bottom of the combustion chamber 36 to control the air required to support combustion of the burner 4. This valve consists of an annular plate or valve head 60 and an apertured disc or valve seat 6|. The valve head 60 is mounted on three thermostatic supports 59. The supports 59 are made up of thermostatic metal similar to the metal strip 41 and when heated serve to raise the plate 60' from its seating plate BI and allow the free passage of air to the burner 4. In cooling the free ends each of the supports 59 move upwardly and away from each other and permit the valve head 60 to settle down upon its seat 6|, closing the valve formed by these elements. The valve seat 6I is carried by the angles 62 which are suitably secured to the lower extremity I' of the tank I. A small annular opening 63 is provided around the element 44 and provides a permanent opening for the admission of a limited amount of air. The size of this opening is sufficient to maintain combustion of the burner 4 when it is operating under a restricted flow of gas as a pilot burner.

Air is supplied to the combustion chamber 36 by way of the passage between the conduits 6 and 8 and the casings 2 and 3 and then through the openings 9 in the extended bottom portion of the tank. The outlet passage from the combustion space is by way of the openings II] the helical conduit between the tank I and easing 2 and then to the flue 6. By controlling and regulating the air supplied to the burner a decided increase in efficiency is effected. If properly designed, the air valve 60, comprising the valve head 60' and valve seat BI, is of such size as compared with a given burner so that just enough air is admitted to support combustion. Air in excess of this amount can serve no useful purpose and only acts to cool the heated gaseous products of combustion.

Of far greater importance, however, is the functioning of the air valve when the burner is operating as a pilot or with the minimum size flame. In this case the air valve is entirely closed and circulation of cold air through the heater is prevented thereby. By preventing the circulation of cold air through the heater when the burner is not in operation the thermal losses in the heater are reduced to a very small value. When the burner is operating as a pilot light, the storage tank I is insulated by the air spaces between the casings 2 and 3 and the tank I and the casing 2.

By this arrangement the use of expensive felt or mineral insulation is avoided and by preheating the air supplied to the burner, it is possible to heat a tank of water in a shorter length of time, with a given amount of gas, than has heretofore been possible.

In order to increase the thermal efiiciency of the heater and to transmit the maximum amount of heat to the water within the tank I, the easings 2 and 3 are coated with aluminum paint and the tank I is coated with a suitable material such as graphite paint having a dull black finish. By this arrangement the high heat absorbing properties of the black coating are utilized to assist in heating the water in the tank I and at the same time the low heat absorbing properties of aluminum paint are utilized to prevent the transmission of heat from the heater to the atmosphere and surrounding objects.

In the operation of the device, the gas valve I I is first opened and if the burner is cold the elements of the device will be in the position shown in Figure 4. The handle 55 is then rotated to the left. This depresses the valve stem 40 and the valve head 46 and admits a limited flow of gas to the burner. The gas is then ignited by a match or any other means and in a short time the burner becomes heated. The handle 55 is then shifted to its original position.

Heat from the upper parts of the burner 4 is conducted to the thermostatic strip 41 by way of the valve stem 40. The strip 41 and valve head 46 are adjusted so that when all the burner parts are at approximately room temperature the strip 41 holds the valve head 46 in contact with its seat. When the temperature of the strip 41 is raised above approximately 175 F. it tends to assume the outline of the arc of a circle the center of which lies above the strip. In this condition the thermostatic metal serves as a spring pulling the valve head away from its seat and holding the lower end of the spreader cap 38 in contact with the adjusting nuts 59 carried on the free end of the thermostat rod 51. The thermostatic valve is thus placed under control of the tank thermostat 56 and the size of its opening is determined by the temperature of the water within the tank I.

By an increase of temperature of the water within the tank, the differential expansion of the rod and tube 51 and 56 respectively tends to cut down the supply of gas to the burner by raising the free end of the rod 51 and drawin the valve stem 40 and the valve head 46, connected thereto, towards its seat. The thermostat functions in this manner until the liquid within the tank I has reached a predetermined temperature, determined by the relative position of the burner and the tank thermostat. When this condition is reached the supply of gas has been gradually and automatically cut down to provide a very small flame which is just sufiicient to take care of unavoidable heat losses and to maintain the contents of the tank at the predetermined temperature.

Upon withdrawal of water from the tank, cold water is admitted by way of the inlet conduit I8. The thermostatic rod and tube 51 and 56' respectively are immediately cooled by reason of their position adjacent to the end of cold water conduit I8 and the free end of the rod 51 moves downwardly allowing the hollow valve stem 40 and associated valve head 46 to be moved by the thermostatic strip 41 so as to increase the supply of gas admitted to the burner.

Should the small pilot flame become extinguished, the thermostatic strip 41 will cool and raise the valve head 46 until it contacts with its seat, assuming the position shown in Figure 4, and completely cutting off the supply of gas to the burner. It will then be necessary to restart the burner in the manner described before the heater can be put into operation again.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that the present forms of apparatus shown and described and the particular procedure set forth are presented for purposes of explanation and illustration and that various, modifications of said apparatus and procedure can be made Without departing from my invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A burner body having an open ended gas supply conduit, a thermostat positioned in said body, a valve stem and valve head freely supported in said conduit by said thermostat, a burner head supported by said valve stem adjacent the open end of said supply conduit, and a second thermostat located exteriorly of said burner body and operatively connected to said valve stem.

2. In a gas burner control, in combination, a gas burner having an outlet opening providing a flame supporting port, a source of gaseous fuel supply therefor, valve means housed in said burner for controlling the fuel supply of said burner, and actuating means for said valve means comprising a pair of cooperating thermostats one of which is housed in said burner and fixedly secured to said valve means, the other of said thermostats being located exteriorly of said burner and having a loose coupling extending through the opening of said burner to said valve means.

3. In a gas burner control, in combination, a gas burner having an outlet opening providing a flame supporting port, a source of gaseous fuel supply therefor, valve means housed in said burner for controlling the fuel supply of said burner, actuating means for said Valve means comprising a pair of cooperating thermostats one of which is housed in said burner and fixedly secured to said valve means, the other of said thermostats being located exteriorly of said burner and having a loose coupling extending through the opening of said burner to said valve means, and manually operable means for moving said valve means to open valve position in opposition to the force of said first named thermostat which when cold tends to hold said valve means in closed valve position.

4. In a gas burning appliance, a gas burner, a movable burner head therefor, fuel controlling valve means connected to said movable head and movable therewith, means engaging said burner head responsive to the temperature of the medium that is being heated, and means responsive to the thermal conditions of the burner cooperating with said valve means to control the flow of gas to said burner.

5. A gas burner, valve means for controlling the fuel supply thereof, a thermostat directly and solely responsive to the heat provided by said burner operatively connected to said valve means to support same, and providing a resilient actuator therefor, and a second thermostat responsive to the temperature of the medium being heated by said burner and loosely coupled to said valve means to urge said valve means towards its closed position in opposition to the force exerted by said resilient actuator when a flame is supported by said burner.

6. In a fluid fuel burner, a valve member, a two-part housing for said valve member comprising relatively adjustable parts one of which provides a valve seat for cooperation with said valve member, a source of fuel supply communicating with said burner, a thermostat responsive to the heat of said burner carried in the other of said housing members and arranged ,to provide a temperature responsive support for said valve member, and additional control means positioned exteriorly of said housing and responsive to the temperature of the medium being heated and cooperating with said thermostat for effecting the operation of said thermostat and said valve member.

7. In a thermostatically controlled fluid fuel burner, a source of fuel supply therefor, a valve body comprising two relatively adjustable parts one of which is provided with an open-ended tubular extended portion having side openings adjacent to the end thereof, a valve member movably carried by the other of said housing elements and cooperating with a valve seat formed on the first stated housing element whereby to control the flow of fuel therethrough, said valve member being provided with a tubular portion which loosely fits in the extended portion of the housing whereby to define an annular burner port at the end of said housing portion, and thermostatic means located exteriorly of said valve body and engaging said valve member for controlling the operation thereof and thereby controlling the fuel supply of the burner port.

8. In an automatically controlled water heater, in combination, a storage container, a fluid fuel burner for heating the water in said container, a source of fuel supply therefor, a thermostat in said container, valve means including a valve head and a seat, associated therewith for controlling the fuel supply of said burner in re sponse to the temperature conditions of the water in said container, a thermostat responsive to the heat of the burner cooperating with said first named thermostat for controlling the operation of said valve means, and means for adjustably supporting said Valve seat, said means being so constructed and arranged that said valve seat may be shifted bodily with respect to said first named thermostat for varying the temperature at which said first named thermostat operates said valve.

9. In a device of the kind described, a burner, means responsive to the heat of the burner for admitting or cutting off the supply of fuel to the burner, and additional means responsive to the heat of the medium being heated for engaging the first means to cut oif the fuel supply in accordance with the heat of said medium, said additional means engaging said first means to operate same regardless of the heat of the burner, and an adjustment for changing the point at which said additional means engages the first means.

10. In a device of the kind described, a burner thermostatic means responsive to temperature of the burner for cutting off or admitting fuel to the burner, additional thermostatic means movable in response to heat changes of the medium heated by the burner, said additional means engaging said first means and operating same regardless of the thermal condition of the burner, and a manual adjustment for controlling the heat stage at which the additional means engages the first means.

11. In a device of the kind described, a reciprocable valve, a thermal responsive element for reciprocating the valve into open or closed position, a second thermal responsive element including a member axially aligned with the valve, to reciprocate same regardless of the first thermal responsive element, and means on the valve for preventing either thermal element from completely closing the valve.

12. In a device of the kind described, a valve, a first thermal responsive means to open and close the valve, a second thermal responsive means to move the valve regardless of the first thermal responsive element, and a single means for controlling the operation of both thermally responsive elements.

13. A device of the kind described, including a valve, a first thermal responsive element for operating the valve, a second thermal responsive element engaging the valve to move same regardless of the first such element, means to control the operation of both thermally responsive elements and additional means to adjust the point of engagement between the second thermal responsive element and the valve.

14. A control system including a burner, a cutoff therefor, a first thermal responsive means supporting the cut-oif, and adapted to actuate the cut-off in response to heat changes, and a second thermal responsive means adapted to actuate the cut-off into one position regardless of the position of the first means.

15. A control system including a cut-off, two thermostats, both moving the cut-off in one direction, and one moving it in the other direc-- tion, the cut-off being supported on one of the thermostats.

16. A control system comprising a burner, a valve controlling the flow of fuel to the burner, and a thermal element responsive to the heat of the burner for actuating the valve, the burner comprising two tubes from between which is ejected an annular jet of fuel, and one of which tubes is supported by the thermal responsive element.

17. In a safety fuel control, a valve member, a housing for said valve member having a port co- .operating therewith for controlling the flow of fuel from the housing, a burner head secured in heat conducting relation with said valve member, a thermostat for movably supporting the valve member and secured thereto in intimate heat conducting relation whereby heat from the burner flame is conducted to the thermostat and the valve member operates in response to the thermal condition of such thermostat, and additional thermostatic means for efieoting the operation of said valve member.

18. In a thermostatically controlled fluid fuel burner, a valve body comprising two relatively adjustable parts, one of which is provided with a tubular extended portion having lateral openings adjacent the upper end thereof, a valve member, means carried by one of said valve body parts to support said member whereby it may cooperate with a valve seat formed on the other of said valve body parts whereby to control the flow of fuel therethrough, said valve member being provided with a tubular portion which extends through the extended portion of said valve body in spaced relation thereto whereby to define at the end of said housing portion an annular burner port, and thermostatic means operatively connected to the valve member for moving said valve member to open or shut position.

19. A thermostatically operated fuel control comprising, a valve member having an extended cylindrical portion constituting a valve stem therefor, a housing for said valve member comprising a pair of relatively adjustable members, one of which is provided with a tubular extended portion for reception of the valve stem of said Valve member in spaced relation whereby a gas conducting passageway is provided between the valve stem and the tubular portion, means for controlling the operation of the valve member, and thermostatic means cooperating with the valve member and responsive to the heat of the burner for moving the valve member to its open or shut position.

20. In a gas burning appliance, a gas burner, a movable burner head therefor, fuel controlling valve means connected thereto thermostatic actuating means therefor, and additional thermostatic means engaging said burner head to control the flow of gas to said burner.

21. A thermostatically controlled burner device for heating an external medium comprising, a valve member, a housing for said valve member having a valve seat formed therein for cooperation with said valve member in controlling fluid flow therethrough, thermostatic means in said housing for controlling theoperation of said valve member, said housing having a port therein to provide a burner port, a deflector adjacent said port and against which the burner flame impinges, and said deflector deflecting at least a portion of said flame toward said housing for the thermostatic means whereby heat from said flame portion may be reflected to said means and said means may function in response to flame at said burner, the remainder of said heat being adapted to heat said external medium.

22. In a thermostatically controlled gaseous fuel burner, a valve body provided with a tubular extending portion, a valve within said body and having a tubular portion extending through the tubular portion of the valve body and in spaced relation thereto whereby to provide an annular burner port at the end of said tubular portions and to conduct heat toward said valve body when a flame is supported at said port, and thermostatic means within said body operatively connected to the valve and actuated by said conducted heat from the burner whereby to move said valve to open or closed position.

23. In a thermostatically controlled gaseous fuel burner, a valve body comprising two relatively adjustable parts, one of said parts being provided with a tubular extending portion, a valve, means including a thermostat carried by one of said valve body parts and supporting said valve, a valve seat formed on the other of said valve body parts and cooperating with the valve to control the flow of fuel to said burner, said valve being provided with a tubular portion which extends through the extended portion of said valve body in spaced relation thereto whereby to provide an annular burner port at the end of said tubular portions, and to conduct heat to said thermostat when a flame is supported at said port, said thermostat being arranged to move the valve to open or closed position.

EDMUND J. TE PAS. 

